‘A young life taken much too quickly’: Tributes to road traffic victim Connor McGinley

Milford sits beneath a dark cloud following the tragic death of Connor McGinley in a road traffic accident on Saturday morning.

The 19-year-old was tragically killed in a single-vehicle crash near Kerrykeel.

‘DJ Curly’, as he was affectionately known, was the driver of the car which went out of control and struck a pole at around 3.30am.

A passenger who was traveling in the car was treated at Letterkenny University Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

“We are all in deep shock and sadness,” said Ms Fiona Temple, Principal of Mulroy College, of which the late Mr McGinley is a former pupil.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Connor’s family and all of Connor’s friends at this very sad and difficult time. A young life taken much too quickly.

“I extend my deepest condolences to all of the McGinley family and to all of Connor’s friends at this time. May he rest in peace.”

Activities at Milford United Football Club, including the weekly 50-50 draw and all matches, were suspended as a mark of respect.

The club was plunged into sadness following the death of a young man who played for the club at Moyle View Park through his teenage years.

A Milford United U14 team including Connor McGinley.

“Life shows us in many ways how good it can be but unfortunately it sends us many reminders of how cruel and devastating it can also be with this utterly tragic loss,” Milford United said.

“Connor would have lined out with many of our underage teams as he made his way through his teens and is remembered as a great athlete with a turn of speed envied by many around him.”

The club said his death is ‘an immeasurable loss to everyone who knew him’.

The R246 road in Ranny was closed to enable Garda Forensic Collision Investigators to conduct a technical examination of the scene.

Late of 2 Quay Road, Drumbern, Milford, the late Mr McGinley will be laid to rest in his native Milford on Thursday.

He is survived by his parents Ennis and Noelle, brother Dennis, cousin Caitlin, grandfather Patrick McGinley, uncles Michael McGinley and Joe McElhinney, aunts Nellie McDermott, Caroline McElhinney, Kathy McElhinney, Siobhan McElhinney, Melissa McElhinney and Sinead McElhinney, cousins, extended family and friends.

Removal from the Eternal Light Chapel of Rest, Carnamuggagh, Letterkenny on Tuesday, August 8, at 4pm going to his home.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 10, at 12 noon in St Peter’s Church, Milford with burial afterwards in Milford Cemetery.

The house will be strictly private from 10pm until 10am and on the morning of the funeral.

Gardai continue to investigate the circumstances of the accident.

A spokesperson said: “Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R246 between Kerrykeel and Milford this morning between 3.00am and 4.00am are asked to contact Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milford Garda station on 074 915 3060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”